Opal Wildfire Update #6

May 19, 2010

They held the line! (Thank God)

Against strong winds gusting up to 45 kms per hour, low humidity and record high temperatures (+31) -- they held the line!

Thank God for the rain -- it will help.  Thank you all for your prayers and support.  Thank you to those who helped to evacuate animals -- everything from horses to chickens to the house cat found temporary homes.  Thank you to those who offered to help; please stand by.  Officials tell us that the worst is far from over.

I have included firefront reports from yesterday.  Take note of how different they are from morning to evening.

----- Original Message -----

From: Peter Tarnawsky

To: Council; Chris Micek; Calli Stromner; Terry Cashin

Cc: Senior_Management

Sent: Tue May 18 13:23:03 2010

Subject: Fw: Fire Update - May 18 - #2

Chief Clark advises:

1) SRD believes the west flank will be overrun within 20-30 minutes. 

May affect our residents on RR 234 north of TWP 582. 

2)  Sprinkler protection in place, residents advised.

3) District/County resources prepared to move in

Stay tuned

Peter Tarnawsky

-- Original Message -----

From: Peter Tarnawsky

To: Council; Chris Micek; Calli Stromner

Cc: Senior_Management

Sent: Tue May 18 20:07:14 2010

Subject: Fw: Fire Update - May 18 - #6

Deputy Mahoney reports:

1. All is well with fire break continuing to hold.  Tough day but it has ended well

2) All residents have been contacted and advised they can return to their homes.  (Ie: briefed, then allowed in.

3) We continue to scale back county resources,

- Peace Officers have been released.

- Namao and Redwater units are preparing to depart scene by 2000 hrs.

- Calahoo FD will supply a two man crew for night patrols.

4) Forecast is favourable,

-tonight temperature is 14 degrees, Relative Humidity of 60-70%. Winds will remain east/south east 25 km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h diminishing to 15 km/h overnight.

5) Wednesday's forecast is 17 degrees; Relative Humidity of 45-55% with  winds  forecasted out of the North/Northwest at 15-20 km/h which should push the fire back on itself.

Next update in the morning unless warranted.

Mahoney/Rose and Clark ask that Councillor pass along thanks to SRD minister tomorrow and acknowledge the folks working the line and air support. OUTSTANDING!

Peter

I second that.  OUTSTANDING!!

Richard

More to come